Do you feel bad for Alex Rodriguez?

The former Mariner everyone loves to hate is having a tough time in the postseason.

Alex Rodriguez walks back to the dugout after striking out Oct. 10 versus the Orioles. (Elsa/Getty Images)

The New York Yankees, now trailing 0-3 to the Detroit Tigers in the American League Championship Series, are paying Alex Rodriguez $29 million this year. But in his 19th big-league season, and in his 11th playoff appearance, the three-time MVP is getting a lot of bad press this week.

And it’s not just because he’s 3-for-23 in the postseason and has now been benched.

Yes, A-Rod has performed poorly on the diamond. He has 12 strikeouts so far in the playoffs and has fallen prey to plenty of boos from even his own Yankees fans. Under the powerful microscope of the New York press, Yankees manager Joe Girardi has yanked A-Rod for two games — once in the A.L. Division Series and once in the ALCS — and has even looked like a genius for sending in pinch-hitter Raul Ibanez (another former Mariner), who hit a game-tying then a game-winning home run in Game 3 of the ALDS last week.

But now Rodriguez is getting even more flack for reportedly flirting with a fan during Game 1 of the ALCS.

Last Saturday, A-Rod was seen hitting on a pair of attractive women sitting two rows behind the Yankees dugout. According to reports, he wrote a note on a baseball asking them for their phone numbers, then gave the ball to them.

Thanks to some hard-hitting investigative journalism, we now know that one of those women was Australian bikini model Kyna Treacy. While that may make A-Rod’s philandering a bit more understandable, the incident has people calling him “shameless” — Yankees fans don’t like him trying to score in the bedroom when he hasn’t been able to score on the field.

Alex Rodriguez smiles during batting practice before Game 3 of the Yankees' ALCS game in Detroit on Tuesday. (Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Baseball fans, it seems, are just looking for a little humility.

Well, that’s not something you often get from Alex Rodriguez. Of course, Mariners fans are known for hating A-Rod after he went to Texas for a huge paycheck. And the rest of baseball dislikes him for his even bigger contract with the Yankees, for his flirtation with steroids, and for his multiple flings with women such as Madonna, Cameron Diaz and Kate Hudson.

And now in the postseason, even the Yankees faithful have turned on him. Despite the fact that several other key Yankees sluggers are struggling mightily this postseason (and Derek Jeter is now out with a broken ankle), Rodriguez has become the scapegoat for the team’s ALCS woes.

The anti-A-Rod furor is so hot that Kobe Bryant has chimed in with some advice, superstar to superstar.

“I just say to him, ‘You’re Alex Rodriguez,'” Bryant said, according to ESPN. “‘You’re A-Rod. You’re one of the best to ever do it.’

“I think sometimes he kind of forgets that and wants to try to do the right thing all the time. Which is the right team attitude to have. But other times you really have to put your head down and say, ‘Hell with it,’ and just do your thing.”

Baseball is such a mental game that it’s easy to wonder whether A-Rod is collapsing somewhat under all the pressure. And it’s also starting to become easier, however unpopular it may seem, to feel bad for Alex Rodriguez.

How do you feel about Alex Rodriguez?

Poor guy. He's struggling so much and is being unfairly picked on.

I feel bad for him, but it's not like he doesn't deserve the backlash.

I don't have an opinion.

It's kinda nice to see him struggle, but he shouldn't be the scapegoat.

<big><font color="000000"><b>Photos: A-Rod through the years</b></font></big>
<br/>Alex Rodriguez of Miami listens as the Seattle Mariners ask him to join their team next season amid cheers from his mother, left, and friends in Miami June 3, 1993. Rodriguez, from Westminster High School was the number one draft choice in baseball's amateur draft. less

<big><font color="000000"><b>Photos: A-Rod through the years</b></font></big>
<br/>Alex Rodriguez of Miami listens as the Seattle Mariners ask him to join their team next season amid cheers from his mother, ... more

Photo: Marta Lavandier / Associated Press

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Alex Rodriguez comforts Joey Cora after the Mariners lost the ALCS to the Cleveland Indians on Oct. 17, 1995.

Alex Rodriguez comforts Joey Cora after the Mariners lost the ALCS to the Cleveland Indians on Oct. 17, 1995.

Photo: Mike Urban / Seattle P-I archive

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Shortstop Alex Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners talks to a teammate in the dugout following an at-bat in the Mariners 12-5 loss to the Oakland A's at Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on July 16, 1996. less

Shortstop Alex Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners talks to a teammate in the dugout following an at-bat in the Mariners 12-5 loss to the Oakland A's at Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on July 16, ... more

Photo: Otto Greule/Allsport / Getty Images

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Seattle Post-Intelligencer Sports Stars of the Year Alex Rodriguez and Michelle Akers are seen after receiving their awards from P-I Publisher J.D. Alexander on Jan. 21, 1997. Rodriguez had just brought down the house by saying, "First of all I want to thank Jim Street and Bob Finnegan for not voting." less

Seattle Post-Intelligencer Sports Stars of the Year Alex Rodriguez and Michelle Akers are seen after receiving their awards from P-I Publisher J.D. Alexander on Jan. 21, 1997. Rodriguez had just brought down ... more

Photo: Seattle P-I archive

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Alex Rodriguez of the American League and Seattle Mariners bumps fists with Mark McGwire #25 of the National League and St. Louis Cardinals as Rafael Palmeiro #25 of the American League and Texas Rangers looks on during the 1998 MLB All-Star Game Home Run Derby at Coors Field on July 6, 1998 in Denver, Colorado. less

Alex Rodriguez of the American League and Seattle Mariners bumps fists with Mark McGwire #25 of the National League and St. Louis Cardinals as Rafael Palmeiro #25 of the American League and Texas Rangers looks ... more

Photo: Brian Bahr / Getty Images

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Alex Rodriguez is introduced with present and former Mariner greats during the post game ceremonies at the Kingdome Sunday, June 27, 1999.

Alex Rodriguez is introduced with present and former Mariner greats during the post game ceremonies at the Kingdome Sunday, June 27, 1999.

American League All-Star Alex Rodriguez (L) of the Seattle Mariners signs autographs for fans during batting practice 11 July, 2000, for the 2000 All-Star game at Turner Field in Atlanta. Rodriguez was selected as a starter for the game but will not play because of an injury. less

American League All-Star Alex Rodriguez (L) of the Seattle Mariners signs autographs for fans during batting practice 11 July, 2000, for the 2000 All-Star game at Turner Field in Atlanta. Rodriguez was ... more

Photo: Chris Firor / AFP/Getty Images

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Alex Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners follows through on his RBI single in the fifth inning against the New York Yankees during game five of the American League Championship Series 15 October 2000 at Safeco Field in Seattle, WA. The Yankees have a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. less

Alex Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners follows through on his RBI single in the fifth inning against the New York Yankees during game five of the American League Championship Series 15 October 2000 at Safeco ... more

Photo: Jeff Haynes / AFP/Getty Images

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Seattle Mariners Alex Rodgriguez (C) celebrates his teams 2-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox with teammate Edgar Martinez (R) after winning the American League 2000 Division Series in Seattle 06 October, 2000. less

Seattle Mariners Alex Rodgriguez (C) celebrates his teams 2-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox with teammate Edgar Martinez (R) after winning the American League 2000 Division Series in Seattle 06 October, ... more

Photo: Dan Levine / AFP/Getty Images

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Seattle Mariner Alex Rodriguez (R) embraces manager Lou Piniella (C) in the clubhouse after the team's 5-2 victory over the Anaheim Angels, and their clinching of the AL Wildcard playoff birth 01 October 2000 at Edison Field in Anaheim, CA. AFP Photo Scott Nelson (Photo credit should read Scott Nelson/AFP/Getty Images) less

Seattle Mariner Alex Rodriguez (R) embraces manager Lou Piniella (C) in the clubhouse after the team's 5-2 victory over the Anaheim Angels, and their clinching of the AL Wildcard playoff birth 01 October 2000 ... more

Photo: Scott Nelson / AFP/Getty Images

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12 Dec 2000: Newly signed Texas Ranger Alex Rodriguez, center, is introduced to the media by club owner Tom Hicks, right, and Rodriguez' agent Scott Boras during a press conference at The Ballpark in Arlington, Texas, on Dec. 12, 2000. less

12 Dec 2000: Newly signed Texas Ranger Alex Rodriguez, center, is introduced to the media by club owner Tom Hicks, right, and Rodriguez' agent Scott Boras during a press conference at The Ballpark in ... more

Photo: Gary Barber/Allsport / Getty Images

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Texas Rangers shortstop Alex Rodriguez glares at Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Shawn Sedlacek after striking out in the fifth inning, 15 July, 2002. The Royals won the first game of the double-header 8-6.

Texas Rangers shortstop Alex Rodriguez glares at Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Shawn Sedlacek after striking out in the fifth inning, 15 July, 2002. The Royals won the first game of the double-header 8-6.

Photo: Dave Kaup / AFP/Getty Images

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Texas Rangers' infielder Alex Rodriguez fields a ball from Cincinnati Reds' Pokey Resse during the first inning at Charlotte County Stadium 15 March 2001 in Port Charlotte, Florida. The game is the third of four spring training games between the Reds and Rangers. less

Texas Rangers' infielder Alex Rodriguez fields a ball from Cincinnati Reds' Pokey Resse during the first inning at Charlotte County Stadium 15 March 2001 in Port Charlotte, Florida. The game is the third of ... more

Photo: Peter Muhly / AFP/Getty Images

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Mariners fans boo Alex Rodriguez as he come to bat April 16, 2001, at Safeco Field.

Mariners fans boo Alex Rodriguez as he come to bat April 16, 2001, at Safeco Field.

Photo: Paul Kitagaki Jr. / Seattle P-I archive

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Texas Rangers' Alex Rodriguez ignores the chorus of "boos" from the Seattle Mariners fans after a three-run rally by the Mariners in the second inning of play 16 April 2001 in Seattle.

Texas Rangers' Alex Rodriguez ignores the chorus of "boos" from the Seattle Mariners fans after a three-run rally by the Mariners in the second inning of play 16 April 2001 in Seattle.

Photo: Dan Levine / AFP/Getty Images

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Shortstop Alex Rodriguez #3 of the Texas Rangers sits in the dugout during the MLB game against the Seattle Mariners on September 12, 2002, at the Ballpark in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers defeated the Mariners 7-3. less

Shortstop Alex Rodriguez #3 of the Texas Rangers sits in the dugout during the MLB game against the Seattle Mariners on September 12, 2002, at the Ballpark in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers defeated the ... more

Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images

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Alex Rodriguez is introduced as a New York Yankee by manager Joe Torre at a press conference on February 17, 2004, at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York.

Alex Rodriguez is introduced as a New York Yankee by manager Joe Torre at a press conference on February 17, 2004, at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees points to the crowd during batting practice before the Yankees home opener against the Chicago White Sox on April 8, 2004 at the Yankees Stadium in the Bronx, New York. less

Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees points to the crowd during batting practice before the Yankees home opener against the Chicago White Sox on April 8, 2004 at the Yankees Stadium in the Bronx, New ... more

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees throws a baseball into the stands during play against the Texas Rangers at Ameriquest Field in Arlington on May 23, 2004, in Arlington, Texas.

Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees throws a baseball into the stands during play against the Texas Rangers at Ameriquest Field in Arlington on May 23, 2004, in Arlington, Texas.

Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images

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Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees talks during a press conference February 17, 2008, at the George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. The Yankees third baseman admitted to taking a substance known as "boli" acquired with his cousin in the Dominican Republic in 2001. less

Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees talks during a press conference February 17, 2008, at the George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. The Yankees third baseman admitted to taking a substance known ... more

Photo: Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images

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Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees talks during a press conference as Manager Joe Girardi (L) and General Manager Brian Cashman (C) listen February 17, 2008, at the George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. The Yankees third baseman admitted to taking a substance known as "boli" acquired with his cousin in the Dominican Republic in 2001. less

Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees talks during a press conference as Manager Joe Girardi (L) and General Manager Brian Cashman (C) listen February 17, 2008, at the George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, ... more

Photo: Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images

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Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees in action against the Oakland Athletics during an MLB game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on April 20, 2010 in Oakland, California.

Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees in action against the Oakland Athletics during an MLB game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on April 20, 2010 in Oakland, California.

Photo: Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images

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Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees looks on before he bats against the New York Mets during their game on July 3, 2011, at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees looks on before he bats against the New York Mets during their game on July 3, 2011, at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

Photo: Al Bello / Getty Images

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Raul Ibanez of the New York Yankees celebrates with Alex Rodriguez #13 after hitting a walk-off single against the Boston Red Sox in the 12th inning to win the game 4-3 on October 2, 2012, at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. less

Raul Ibanez of the New York Yankees celebrates with Alex Rodriguez #13 after hitting a walk-off single against the Boston Red Sox in the 12th inning to win the game 4-3 on October 2, 2012, at Yankee Stadium ... more

Photo: Al Bello / Getty Images

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Ichiro Suzuki, right, of the New York Yankees is congratulated by Alex Rodriguez after scoring a run on an RBI double hit by Robinson Cano in the top of the first inning during Game Two of the American League Division Series against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on October 8, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland. less

Ichiro Suzuki, right, of the New York Yankees is congratulated by Alex Rodriguez after scoring a run on an RBI double hit by Robinson Cano in the top of the first inning during Game Two of the American League ... more

Photo: Patrick McDermott / Getty Images

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Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees reacts after striking out in the sixth inning with runners on base during Game Four of the American League Division Series against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on October 11, 2012 in the Bronx borough of New York City. less

Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees reacts after striking out in the sixth inning with runners on base during Game Four of the American League Division Series against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium ... more

Photo: Elsa / Getty Images

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Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees celebrates in the locker room with his team after defeating the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 3-1 to win Game Five of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 12, 2012, in New York. less

Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees celebrates in the locker room with his team after defeating the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 3-1 to win Game Five of the American League Division Series at Yankee ... more

Photo: Elsa / Getty Images

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Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees reacts after he grounded into a fielder's choice to end the bottom of the first inning against the Detroit Tigers during Game One of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 13, 2012, in the Bronx borough of New York City, New York. less

Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees reacts after he grounded into a fielder's choice to end the bottom of the first inning against the Detroit Tigers during Game One of the American League Championship ... more

Photo: Al Bello / Getty Images

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Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees reacts as he walks back to the dugout after he struck out in the bottom of the second inning against the Detroit Tigers during Game Two of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 14, 2012 in the Bronx borough of New York City. less

Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees reacts as he walks back to the dugout after he struck out in the bottom of the second inning against the Detroit Tigers during Game Two of the American League ... more